The Edmonton Oilers face the Anaheim Ducks with both teams heading in opposite directions to close out the year. The Oilers have a 16-15-1 record and with seven wins in their last 10 games, they have leaped to the middle of the Pacific Division. The Ducks have a 13-22 record and with only three wins in their last 10 games, they have the second-worst record in the Pacific Division. Both teams look to add a win before the new year and the upcoming game should be a good one.
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The Oilers have turned a corner with their offense stepping up and scoring 3.50 goals per game. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman have scored 47 goals and 67 assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense has been great as well. Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, Evander Kane, and Warren Foegele have combined for 27 goals and 52 assists while defensemen Evan Bouchard and Mattias Ekholm have added 13 goals and 36 assists from the point to put the offense over the top.
The offense has been great but the defense has struggled, allowing 3.31 goals per game. Mattias Ekholm and Cody Ceci have combined for 3.4 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. Additionally, goaltender Calvin Pickard has struggled with a .898 save percentage and a 2.99 goals-against average on 137 shots.